Over the past few months I’ve been addressing several of the virtues of a Princess, kindness, grace, honour and duty. Today I would like to explore a virtue that is more misunderstood, but equally as valuable as all of these; Humility.
Unfortunately in modern times we’ve developed some false connotations for this word; blind obedience, self abasement, shyness, not standing up for ourselves or taking credit for our success. In a highly individualised, competitive world where we must promote ourselves constantly to get jobs, be popular and succeed in many areas, the old fashioned notion of humility seems to only hold one back.
However, the secret of Humility is that the more successful, the more recognized and loved you are, the harder it is to maintain and when one does meet an admirable person with this virtue, it is beautiful beyond measure.
Humility is not putting yourself down or lacking pride, it is not excessive modesty or submissiveness. Rather, we achieve Humility when we completely conquer the Ego. When we do not see ourselves as superior to any other human being. When we are fully grateful for everything we have achieved and those who have helped us along the way. It’s when we stop pushing others down so that we might step up and instead support eachother arm in arm. It is not at all an easy state to achieve.
To be Humble we must acknowledge that we are wrong sometimes. Accept feedback and criticism from others with grace and gratefulness, trying our best to learn from our mistakes rather than ignoring any suggestions or correction that we don’t want to hear. Rather we must learn to accept help and advice with gratitude. We must also take full responsibility for our failures, errors and the consequences of these and not turn the blame on others.
A large part of Humility is forgiveness. When we learn to forgive those who have wronged us and also to apologise to those we have wronged we step off our soapbox and learn that it is not our role to judge others. We must also endure unfair treatment with patience and grace, knowing that the world is not always fair but we can do our best to be so.
A humble Princess can be happy for others, can rejoice in their successes and achievements without feeling that she is any less because of them. With this we must try to only think and speak good things about others, celebrating their strengths rather than complaining about their flaws.
Gratefulness is another key element to humility. To not merely be successful and happy and beautiful, but greatful for every blessing we are given and every reward we work for. Also to be thankful to everyone who helps us along the way, no matter how small or great their aid may be, even having those that support and believe in you is immensely fortunate. Give credit where it is due and show gratitude.
A Princess is never above helping others. In fact she should look for opportunities to be of service and assistance to friends, family and strangers. However, to do so humbly is to not shout it from the rooftops, but rather do good deeds without any recognition or reward, to even remain anonymous in this charity.
Perhaps the truest measure of Humilty is in the way we treat others, with respect, kindess and compassion regardless of their age, gender, race or social status. A Princess is kindest to those who have nothing to offer her and will listen with as much attention to a child as to a King.
I say again, that these are not easy things to achieve, they are high goals to try and reach for, and I too fail to get there sometimes. Of all the beautiful people I have met though, those that are humble in their greatness are by far the most admirable. It takes a pure heart to soar high and still keep one’s feet on the ground.
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Ah what an extremely difficult Princess Lesson you have posted Miss Skye! I have always wondered how to achieve this, as I watch my grandmother and other older role models display this, I often wonder what is the secret. She (my grandmother) told me it takes much practice, and occasionally a great fall to be able to humble ourselves. I look forward to practicing this (though at times I may not enjoy it) and the other Virtues to better myself as a Princess.
This one is, to me at least, one of the most important Princess Lessons to learn!
I admire it a lot in other people and I know how difficult it is. I, too, fail at it sometimes but I will continue to practice it. Maybe someday I’ll achieve it.
Thanks a lot once again, Princess
An excellent lesson for any princess, though definitely one of the more difficult ones! Thanks for the great post!
Yes, it’s difficult. I always find myself trying to be every day more Humble. It makes me feel better besides it helps make feel the same way the other person too.
Very inspiring and useful lesson, Skye. You make me think a lot!
Your sister princess, Sora :3
Dearest Princess Skye, I thank you so much for clarifiying this subject. The day before I’ve been thinking about it and then you write a Lesson about it… I think it’s the Magic working about ^_^ Please, please, never cease to write these lessons. For all the Princess’ sakes.
I would just like to point out that today I saw a person talking about his father, who passed away about a year ago. Well, the day after he passed, his mother, while going through his things, found a medal honoring him for taking place in WW2. For fifty years his mother had been married to him, and never once was this mentioned.
I think humility is a Virtue that has been forgotten in these days, and it is truly wonderful to meet those who are truly humble. Thank you again.
I agree with you in that humility is the most beautiful virtue yet a difficult one to imbibe. Like you, even I am trying to reach that high goal.